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Sodium Chlorite

  • Oxidizers
  • CAS 7758-19-2
  • IUPAC: sodium chlorite

Sodium Chlorite (CAS 7758-19-2) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Oxidizing solid. Respiratory, eye, and skin irritant (H315, H319, H335 inferred from OSHA MSDS). ACGIH TLV for generated ClO2 gas: 0.1 ppm TWA, 0.3 ppm STEL. Moderately toxic if swallowed. NIOSH/MSHA respirator recommended when generating ClO2 in enclosed spaces.

Sodium chlorite is an inorganic oxidizing salt used as the precursor for generating chlorine dioxide (ClO2) gas. When combined with an acid activator (such as citric acid or a proprietary inorganic acid), it rapidly generates ClO2 — a potent oxidizing gas used in water treatment, food processing disinfection, and odor elimination. In consumer odor-eliminator products (Biocide Systems Auto Shocker, Room Shocker), the sodium chlorite granule reacts with water and an included acid activator to generate ClO2 gas inside a sealed vehicle cabin.

Regulatory status

  • Not Prop 65 listed (per ClO2-DMG MSDS, Biocide Systems, 2014)
  • DOT Hazmat (solid, UN 1496) when shipped as concentrate
  • SARA Title III: HEALTH Immediate + Delayed; PHYSICAL Fire
  • Generated ClO2 gas: ACGIH TLV 0.1 ppm TWA / 0.3 ppm STEL

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Precursor for in-situ chlorine dioxide (ClO2) generation; active ingredient in ClO2-based odor eliminators and antimicrobial treatments

Common questions about Sodium Chlorite

What is Sodium Chlorite used for in car care?
Precursor for in-situ chlorine dioxide (ClO2) generation; active ingredient in ClO2-based odor eliminators and antimicrobial treatments
Is Sodium Chlorite a VOC?
No. Sodium Chlorite is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Sodium Chlorite on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Sodium Chlorite is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Sodium Chlorite biodegradable?
Yes. Sodium Chlorite has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

1 product contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.